There are plenty of great players out there, but if you could have only one of them to build a team around, which one would you pick? That’s the question we posed to a handful of former players. Here’s what they told us.

Ray Childress

Charles Davis

DB, Tennessee, 1983-86

The guy: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

The incredible sophomore is a threat in the pass game as a receiver, as a runner on both reverses, an occasional play as a running back, and as a Wildcat QB. Throw in the kicking game ... and you have a true threat each play he is on the field.

Gerry DiNardo

OL, Notre Dame, 1972-74

The guy: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Even though the spread formation has taken over college football, I believe the national championship in the near future will be won by teams that have the best defenses and run traditional offenses. Barkley would be my pick to start a team that would position itself to win the championship.

Chris Doering

WR, Florida, 1993-95

The guy: AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama

I firmly believe that being a great team means you have to have great QB play, and even though Alabama doesn’t depend on him to be a dual-threat guy putting up crazy numbers, he is the heart and soul of this team. He manages the game well. He doesn’t turn the football over. He makes plays in the passing game when they need him. But, most importantly, he provides leadership. ...

I was fortunate to have played with a guy like this at Florida by the name of Danny Wuerffel.

Rod Gilmore

DB, Stanford, 1979, ’80-82

The guy: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

I’d normally think in terms of a difference-maker at QB, a pass-rushing DE, a great cover CB or pass-protecting left tackle. Some of those spots are limited, and that would lead me to Jadeveon Clowney or Jarvis Jones. But I can’t resist the impact of Lee. He can take the top off of a defense with his speed and can get yards after the catch. Plus, he gives you field position (or points) on special teams with his return ability.

Chris Hovan DT, Boston College, 1996-99

The guy: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

He is a specimen, and the added football demeanor makes him special.

Jeno James

OL, Auburn, 1996-99

The guy: Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama

He is a very dominant run and pass blocker who finishes blocks down the field and never takes plays off. He also gets everyone around him going as well.

Joel Klatt

QB, Colorado, 2002-05

The guy: Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State

There is no tougher player in the country, and his productivity cannot be denied. He may have an awkward throwing motion, but this is not the NFL, so he can be dangerous even if he is not a gunslinger. Every week, defenses have to be prepared to stop Klein in the running game. ... Above all of that, Collin Klein is one of, if not the, best leaders in the country.

Steve Korte

OL, Arkansas, 1981-82

The guy: Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State

As the college game, like the NFL, has evolved into a much more vertical game, the outside linebackers and defensive ends can become the ultimate factor. Still, if pushed to make a decision, a multi-talented QB would be my reluctant choice.

Jake Plummer

QB, Arizona State, 1993-96

The guy: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

He has all the tools. He is a tough competitor with a very diverse arm, and he can hurt you when protection breaks down as well as stand in the pocket and chuck it. Building a team around a young QB with talent like his puts Jim Mora in an ideal situation as a head coach. Look for UCLA to emerge as a power the next few years with Brett Hundley at the helm.

Butch Woolfolk

RB, Michigan, 1978-81

The guy: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

As a head coach, I would start my team by picking the best player at the quarterback position. You can plan a team around the most important player on the field. I would also prefer having a QB that is supremely accurate and can move effectively around the pocket. His elusiveness would be invaluable to any offensive lineman blocking for him.

Jared Zabransky

QB, Boise State, 2003-06

The guy: Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State

I’m a true believer in winners being quarterbacks. … Outside of hearing his story, if you just watch how guys react when he scores or has a big run. You can tell they really like him as their leader and he’s done a great job for them. I think that plays as big or bigger of a role than a guy who’s got all the tools to play at any level.